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For Immediate Release

Xcel Energy — First U.S. Utility to Set 100% Carbon Reduction Target

Oakland, California - Xcel Energy took an important step Tuesday to act on the dire problem of climate change, announcing that it will reduce its carbon emissions 100% by 2050, with an interim target of 80% by 2030.

As You Sow fully supports this ground-breaking step. Lila Holzman, energy program manager of As You Sow, had this to say about the announcement:

“Investors applaud this important step toward addressing Xcel’s climate impact and transitioning to a more sustainable business model. Xcel’s leadership shows that it is feasible for the power sector to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions in line with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change goals to avoid catastrophic climate change. By committing to such ambitious reductions, Xcel is positioning itself to thrive in the coming low-carbon energy economy.”

As governments work to combat climate change, the risk to high carbon companies also grows. Whether companies are proactive or reactive on climate change and its impacts, affects shareholder value. Energy companies in particular face important choices. Those that choose to continue investing in using fossil fuel resources and infrastructure increase their risk of stranded assets, known as Carbon Asset Risk. Those companies that choose to diversify away from fossil fuels and expand energy efficiency and use of renewable energy sources are positioning themselves to prosper in the new energy economy.

As You Sow works to address the challenges and risks of climate change by working with shareholders and energy companies to facilitate a transition to Paris-compliant business models. As You Sow has worked with Xcel Energy over the past several years, successfully reaching withdrawal agreements after filing shareholder resolutions in 2011 and 2017, and is currently engaging with the company through the Climate Action 100+ investor initiative.

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As You Sow is the nation’s non-profit leader in shareholder advocacy. Founded in 1992, we harness shareholder power to create lasting change that benefits people, planet, and profit.

Our mission is to promote environmental and social corporate responsibility through shareholder advocacy, coalition building, and innovative legal strategies.

Further

A belated, heartfelt happy birthday to Harvey Milk, assassinated in 1978 for daring to come out of the closet, be himself and insist on his rights, who would have turned 89 this week. On Harvey Milk Day, California passed a resolution honoring his "critical role in creating the modern LGBT movement." From one ally: "He imagined a righteous world inside his head and then he set about to create it." These dark days, his message resonates more than ever: "You stand up and fight."

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